The Maltese Falcons are ready to kick off their 2021 planning according to league sources and have started initial conversations with clubs on the availability or right-handers Kyle Hendricks (2/$29) and Tyler Glasnow (2R/$3) as well as star outfielder Bryce Harper (3/$50).
Hendricks put together another strong campaign as he was one out away from leading the entire league in innings in 2020. He posted a 2.55 ERA while only allowing eight walks in 81 1/3 innings of work and is well worth the $29 option for 2021. Given the contract and production, Hendricks would figure to have the highest asking price of the trio.
At 6-foot-8, Glasnow has struggled at times with his mechanics and command. He's been inconsistent during his time in the majors between Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay (career 4.43 ERA, 1.34 WHIP) and has also battled a few injuries, most notably shoulder trouble in 2016 and forearm tightness in 2019. What's not in question is his physical ability. When things are going right, Glasnow is among the most dominant pitchers in the game with a 97-mph fastball and a curveball that ranks in the 92nd percentile in terms of spin rate. His stuff is so naturally filthy that he can get hitters out even when he misses and on waste pitches. The right-hander's 2020 ended on a sour note as he gave up a whopping nine homers in 28.2 postseason innings, and those struggles will be fresh in the minds of drafters this spring. It's understandable to be hesitant given his history, but a bet on the talent here could pay big dividends while holding the option of a $5 contract in 2022.
The 2020 season was another banner year for MLB's 2010 #1 overall pick, Bryce Harper. In 58 games, Harper slashed .268/.420/.542 with 13 home runs, 33 RBI, 41 runs scored, and eight steals for a 115/36/92/22 pace. That was good enough for a top-20 finish on the Razzball Player Rater. If it hadn’t been for a nagging back injury that he played through, Harper likely would’ve pushed the top-10 on that player rater.
The rumors are a familiar sight for Harper who has been traded a RDBL-record nine times including being moved six times over an off-season.
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